General Description
I call the pocket on this tote bag “Double Pocket” because, as shown here, I can put things inside the pocket as well as behind the pocket. It is quite easy to embroider on a flat piece of fabric and turn it into a Double Pocket. You can then sew the completed pocket to a bag you are making or to a ready-made bag. Not only is it easier to make the embellishment in this way, but it also adds extra storage to a bag.

Step-by-step Description
Click here to view a pdf file with instructions.

What Makes This Project Special?
I love personalizing totes for myself and for gifts. I digitized a name with fancy fills when I wanted to embroider something special on a gift for a former professor, and liked it so much I created ten whole Fancy Jumbles alphabets. I also think a tote can’t have too many pockets. This project provides an easy way to add a pocket and a personalization at the same time.

Skill Level
This is an easy project to sew. It requires only straight seams.

Products
Fancy Jumbles Alphabets
Tote bag waiting for a new pocket.
Sturdy fabric for pocket.
Nylon or Polyester coil zipper 3-4 inches wider than desired pocket.
Embroidery machine. (Mine is a Husqvarna Viking Designer I).
100mm x 170mm embroidery hoop or bigger, depending on embroidery design.
Tear-away stabilizer.
Embroidery thread.

Time Investment
One hour or less should be plenty to embroider, construct and attach a pocket.

Why I Love This Project
I love designing and sewing bags and I love teaching others to make bags, too. Bags make great gifts and are always the right size. Students who are new to sewing enjoy an easy success and are proud of their work.

Send Us Your Creations
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What Would You Do?
Carol is someone just like you, who turned her love for creating things into a business. Is there anything you'd like to ask her? If so, click on the Comments link to post a question, and we'll ask Carol to give you an answer.